What Are Sewer and Drain Cleaners Used For in 2023?

Sewer and drain cleaners are an essential component of modern greywater plumbing systems. These cleaners are designed to remove blockages and obstructions from the drains and sewers in our homes and businesses, ensuring that wastewater flows freely and efficiently.

What Are Sewer and Drain Cleaners?

Sewer and drain cleaners are chemical or mechanical products designed to clear blockages in pipes, drains, and sewer lines. These cleaners are used to remove hair, grease, food particles, soap scum, and other materials that can cause clogs and obstructions.

These materials slowly build up over time and can combine to create a solid blockage of a pipe.

The chemical versions are available in various forms, including liquids, gels, and powders, and can be used in residential and commercial applications.

These are commonly found in supermarkets and can be easily used by home owners without the need for professional help.

When the blockage is more substantial and a chemical cleaner hasn’t worked, then there is the option to change to a mechanical sewer and drain cleaner.

An example of this is a Plumbing Rooter which is effectively a cable which rotates at high speed to break up the blockage.

This type of drain unblocker is used by professional plumbing contractors, rather than the home owner as they take some skill and experience to use.

How Do Sewer and Drain Cleaners Work?

Chemical sewer and drain cleaners are made up of strong alkaline or acidic compounds that react with the clogs and obstructions in the pipes.

These cleaners dissolve the materials, causing them to break down and flow away with the water.

Mechanical cleaners, on the other hand, use a rotating cable with a cutting blade to break up and remove clogs and obstructions in the pipes. These cleaners are often used in situations where chemical cleaners are ineffective or cannot be used.

When Should You Use Sewer and Drain Cleaners?

Sewer and drain cleaners are typically used when there is a blockage or obstruction in the pipes that cannot be cleared using conventional methods like using a plunger.

However you should keep an eye on sink and shower drains and regularly flush and clean these to stop the build up of materials which will eventually lead to a blockage.

The important thing here is that regular maintenance of plug holes etc can stop blockages further down the pipe system so this avoids having to get a professional plumber in later on if the drain blocks beyond your reach.

If you notice slow draining sinks or tubs, gurgling sounds in the pipes, or foul odors coming from the drains, it may be time to use a sewer or drain cleaner.

It’s important to note that some types of cleaners can damage pipes, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully and use the appropriate cleaner for your specific plumbing system.

What Types of Sewer and Drain Cleaners are Available?

There are two main types of sewer and drain cleaners: chemical and mechanical. Chemical cleaners are made up of strong alkaline or acidic compounds that dissolve clogs and obstructions in the pipes.

Mechanical cleaners use a rotating cable with a cutting blade to break up and remove clogs and obstructions.

Both types of cleaners are effective, but they have different applications and may be more suitable for different types of plumbing systems.

Are Sewer and Drain Cleaners Safe to Use?

Sewer and drain cleaners can be dangerous if not used correctly. Chemical cleaners contain strong acids or alkalis that can cause skin and eye irritation, and can be toxic if ingested.

When using these chemical cleaners, you should always follow the safety instructions and wear safety equipment like waterproof gloves and eye protection and a mask.

Mechanical cleaners can cause injury if not used correctly, and can also damage pipes if not used properly. It’s important to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions when using these cleaners.

If you are unsure about how to use a sewer or drain cleaner, it’s best to consult a professional plumber.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sewer and drain cleaners are essential products that help to keep our plumbing systems functioning properly.

They are available in various forms and can be used in residential and commercial applications. However, it’s important to use these cleaners safely and correctly to avoid injury or damage to your plumbing system.

One way to avoid needing to use a cleaner is to consider what you’re pouring into your drains.

Fatty materials for example, will always start to form a blockage, especially when warm fat or oil hits the colder drain water in the S-bend as this causes the fat to solidify and will quickly result in a blocked drain.

If you are unsure about how to use a sewer or drain cleaner, consult a professional plumber.

FAQ

What are sewer and drain cleaners?

Sewer and drain cleaners are chemical or mechanical products used to remove blockages and obstructions from pipes, drains, and sewer lines.

How do sewer and drain cleaners work?

They either work on dissolving the blockage, freeing it from the internal wall of the pipe to flow away into the sewer or they physically cut through the blockage material in the example of the mechanical cleaner.

When should I use sewer and drain cleaners?

Sewer and drain cleaners are typically used when there is a blockage or obstruction in the pipes that cannot be cleared using conventional methods.

If you notice slow draining water, bubbling sounds in the pipes, or rotten odors coming from the pipes or sink outlets, then it may be time to use a sewer or drain cleaner.

What types of sewer and drain cleaners are available?

There are two main types of sewer and drain cleaners: chemical and mechanical. Chemical cleaners are made up of strong compounds, while mechanical cleaners use a rotating cable with a cutting blade.

Are sewer and drain cleaners safe to use?

Sewer and drain cleaners can be dangerous if not used correctly. Chemical cleaners contain strong acids or alkalis that can cause skin and eye irritation, and can be toxic if ingested.

Mechanical cleaners can cause injury if not used correctly, and can also damage pipes if not used properly. It’s important to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions when using these cleaners.

If you are unsure about how to use a sewer or drain cleaner, consult a professional plumber.